The KMDSI technician training courses are open to all users of KMDSI equipment
Who can teach the KMDSI Technician Course?
Only KMDSI dealers and professional diving training centers that have been trained and authorized by Dive Lab. End users or diving companies will not be authorized to perform KMDSI training
What type of KMDSI certifications are available?
- Technician: For end users of KMDSI equipment (Not available for KMDSI Dealers)
- Technician Instructor: Only available to Professional Diving Training Centers
- KMDSI Dealer Technician: Available for KMDSI Dealer only
- KMDSI Dealer Instructor: Only available to KMDSI Dealers outside of United States
- Operator/User: Available to everyone – This is Not a Maintenance & Repair Technician Course
Is there a difference with my KMDSI certification if I self pay or my company pays for my training?
Yes. If your company pays for your training, they own the certification and it’s tied to the company. The certificate cannot be used outside of the company and will become void if you leave the company.
If you self pay, you will receive an Independent certification, which you own and is not tied to a company
Can I take fiberglass repair training?
Fiberglass repair training is only offered to KMDSI Dealers
How do I become a KMDSI dealer?
Contact KMDSI
How long is the KMDSI certification valid for?
3 years for the first certification and renewals will receive a 4 year certificate, providing the previous certificate has not expired. KMDSI Dealers receive a 5 year certification
Is there a “Refresher or Condensed Course” available?
No. Only a renewal, which will be the same full training as your initial certification
We only use KM 97’s, can we receive training on a single model?
Yes, limited equipment training – is available for a single model or any combination of models you have
Are KMDSI technician courses offered online?
No
Who can issue Kirby Morgan Helmet and Band Mask Technician Certificates?
All official KMDSI Technician and Operator/User certificates are issued by Dive Lab ONLY. Dive Lab issues certificates after reviewing the course completion forms from authorized KMDSI Dealer trainers and authorized Commercial Diver Training Schools. Dealers, and schools are not authorized to issue their own certificates for Technician and/or Operator/ User Training. If you do not have a Dive Lab issued certificate then you are not an authorized/recognized Kirby Morgan Technician
What does the official KMDSI certification look like and how long does it take to receive?
Click here: Certificates – Dive Lab
The wallet card certification is standard. An optional wall display certificate is available for an additional charge
Once Dive Lab processes your certification, a digital copy will be emailed to your Instructor for immediate distribution. If you did not receive a digital copy prior to receiving your hard copy, contact your Instructor.
Your hard copy will then be sent to your Instructor for distribution. Depending on your location and the type of mail or courier service requested by your Instructor, it will average a few days or weeks once we mail them
What are the penalties for a person that creates a fake KMDSI certificate?
They are flagged in Dive Labs system and the individual will never be able to receive a KMDSI certification again. If they take KMDSI training, Dive Lab will refuse to issue the certification and the training facility is not obligated to issue a refund. Contact Dive Lab to verify the validity of a KMDSI certification
What does it cost to get trained on KMDSI equipment at Dive Lab?
Cost for the standard three day technician training (Helmets & KMB’s) at Dive Lab in Panama City Florida is: Click Here for Pricing
A fourth day of training is available that covers the various other KMDSI products.
Special request and onsite training is available. Onsite training may be equipment limited due to the logistics
Can I bring my helmet to overhaul in class during the 3 day course at Dive Lab?
No. Dive Lab provides the necessary training aids
If I don’t feel comfortable with a specific product/s after training, is it possible to cover these items again?
Absolutely! Let us know as soon as possible and we will provide additional hands on training
Because of different labor rates and the cost of doing business in various countries. Dive Lab does not set or dictate what other authorized KMDSI training facilities charge for Technician Training. HOWEVER! Dive Lab only charges the training facility $40.00 for Certification Card and $20.00 (optional) for Wall Display Certificate. Dealers or Schools will receive Wall Display Certificate as their main form of Certification
If I complete the KMDSI/Dive Lab authorized course can I perform repairs for profit or work on helmets on the side to make some money?
NO! The training was set up to allow individual user / owners to be able to maintain their own equipment as well as their companies equipment and individuals equipment that work for the same company as long as the company policy allows it. As an example if the company sends a diver for training and they pay for the training that person can only perform repairs and maintenance on their helmet as well as the companies equipment and other divers employed by that company. All repairs and maintenance MUST be properly documented. Proper documentation is also taught in the training. Only official KMDSI dealers that have been trained and certified by Dive lab can perform repairs for profit
If I Take The KMDSI Technician Course Can I Work On Other Peoples Equipment For Profit?
NO! Non-Dealer Technician can work on their own equipment, the companies, and other divers equipment within the company as per company policy. Free-lancing as Technician for profit is not allowed! Only KMDSI Dealer Technicians are authorized by KMDSI to perform repairs for profit. KMDSI Dealers are bound by a dealer agreement to perform work on KMDSI products strictly IAW the requirements set forth by KMDSI. Dealers performing repairs and maintenance must only use genuine Kirby Morgan parts and must perform all work IAW Dealer Technician requirements. Non Dealer Technicians are not under the control or bound with a contract or agreement with KMDSI. KMDSI cannot mandate what Non-Dealers do. Non-Dealer Technicians must limit repairs to their own equipment, company owned equipment or your certification will be revoked
Can a company sub-contract me to service their KMDSI equipment, because technically I would be working for them?
If your only role with a company is to “show up” and service their KMDSI equipment, you are not a regular employee of the company. This is considered servicing “for profit “and your KMDSI certification will be revoked
If you work for a service company that offers various diving system repair and maintenance services, you cannot include their KMDSI equipment as part of those services. This is considered servicing “for profit “and your KMDSI certification will be revoked
Can I use my KMDSI technician certificate to buy, refurbish and service equipment to turn around and sell, because technically this is my personal owned equipment?
NO. If you are engaged in the business of flipping helmets, this is considered servicing “for profit’. Just as long as you do not provide service paperwork with your KMDSI certification number and do not claim the helmet is “certified” there won’t be an issue
If my certification is revoked can I take KMDSI training again?
This will be determined on a case by case basis by Dive Lab Inc & KMDSI. Contact Dive Lab Inc. and we will review your request
What is the KMDSI Technician Course?
The standard three day course instructs divers, tenders, and diving personnel how to perform routine repair and maintenance of all KMDSI Helmets, Band Masks, and other specific associated equipment. The course also teaches Helmet and Band Mask® inspections, adjustments, overhauls and face port insert testing. In addition, trainees learn about the KMDSI set-up and maintenance check lists and Operations & Maintenance Manuals. The basic technician course does not include instruction in fiberglass and gel coat repair, but does teach insert testing.
The course when taught at Dive Lab also goes into calculating basic air consumption, supply pressures, how to clean, pressure test and flow test umbilicals.
Once certified as a KMDSI Helmet and Band Mask Technician, the technician can teach the KMDSI Operator/User Course using the curriculum guidelines set-up by KMDSI and Dive Lab Inc. Course certification is given at Dive Lab, Inc. The main purpose for this course is to promote diver safety through knowledge and training within the commercial diving industry. We feel this is best accomplished using persons trained within the industry. The Operator/User training raises the level of awareness for the proper use and maintenance of KMDSI Helmets, BandMasks® and associated equipment. It will also help safety in other areas as well. Overview – Dive Lab
What is the KMDSI Operator User Course?
The Operator/User Course was developed to teach commercial diving personnel standardized pre and post dive inspection, set-up and operation procedures for the KMDSI Helmets and Band Masks. The Operator/User course is considered the minimum training for users of KMDSI helmets and masks can be taught by any current KMDSI certified technician
This course “Is Not a Maintenance & Repair Technician Course”
The Operator/User Course instructs commercial divers, tenders and supervisors how to perform standardized, routine, daily pre-dive/post-dive procedures, as well as corrective adjustments. It teaches how to identify equipment deficiencies which could hamper helmet or band mask performance and/or pose a potential hazard. The course teaches the KMDSI monthly and daily helmet and band mask pre/post dive maintenance, set-up, adjustment and inspection procedures for Kirby Morgan helmets, band masks and associated equipment
Depending on the experience level and or the number of persons being instructed, the course generally requires about 5-8 hours of instruction. Upon completion, each student will receive a four year certification. The course does not qualify or certify the individual to perform repairs, overhauls, or do face port insert testing. The Operator/User is considered the minimum level of technical training for anyone using the helmet or performing duties as a tender/supervisor when KMDSI helmets and masks are being used
Who is allowed to work on KMDSI equipment?
As stated in all KMDSI operations manuals, the owner of the equipment can perform all maintenance and repairs. KMDSI strongly recommends all users receive training from a recognized KMDSI training facility, however if users feel they have the knowledge, experience and technical ability to make repairs and perform maintenance they can download all manuals and checklist from the KMDSI web site free of charge. Company policy will be the deciding factor. According to OSHA regulations, the diving company (contractor/employer) is required to ensure all man worn equipment is being properly maintained and that the maintenance and inspections are being performed as recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment. OSHA makes little differentiation between privately owned helmets/equipment and company owned helmets and equipment and places the responsibility for the condition and use of diving equipment on the employer/contractor
In short, this means the diving contractor could be held liable for knowingly allowing improperly maintained or inspected equipment to be used that resulted in injury regardless of who actually owns the equipment. For this reason it is important that the diving contractors have a good maintenance program and the documentation to go with it. In accordance with ADCI Consensus Standards; Helmets and masks and their associated diver-carried regulators are components of a critical life support system that, if not functioning properly, can expose the diver to significant hazard. As such, all helmets and masks and their associated diver-carried regulators shall be maintained and inspected in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Suitable logs shall be maintained to reflect compliance. The owner of helmets, masks, and their associated diver-carried regulators shall be responsible to ensure that these life support critical elements are functioning properly prior to the commencement of each and every dive
All helmets and masks shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, and have all modifications which affect safety or performance documented in the equipment log
I am a certified KMDSI Technician but my company will not allow me to service my helmet, why not?
Every company dictates their “in house” policy regarding equipment maintenance
Is it a requirement for the owner of KMDSI equipment be factory trained/certified to perform maintenance and repairs?
Company policy will determine this, although KMDSI strongly recommends all life support equipment should only be used, set up, maintained and worked on by properly trained persons
Due to liability concerns, many companies and agencies that are hiring diving contractors, require that the contractor provide proof that the diver worn equipment is being maintained and serviced by trained qualified persons. This is especially true with most U.S. government contracts, even though there are no federal regulations that specifically mandate training qualifications or certification for persons performing maintenance, repairs, and operational set up procedures
KMDSI strongly recommends that diving contractors protect their employees and themselves by ensuring that persons performing maintenance and repairs have the proper recommended training in accordance with the applicable helmet or mask operations and maintenance manual, checklists and procedures as recommended by KMDSI
All the KMDSI operations and maintenance manuals as well as the operations and maintenance checklists can be downloaded at www.kirbymorgan.com
Technical advice and information can be obtained from KMDSI and Dive Lab Inc.
Should the owner/user of KMDSI equipment perform their own daily/monthly inspections?
All users of KMDSI should and must know how to perform the daily and monthly maintenance in order to safely use the equipment. All KMDSI helmets and Band Masks® have pre and post dive checklists. Check lists are a requirement in many countries throughout the world in order to meet occupational safety and health requirements. The check lists have been expanded to further educate users and raise the level of knowledge thereby improving diver safety. The checklist A2.1 (overhaul inspection procedure) should be performed anytime the daily or monthly inspection reveals signs of damage, deterioration of components or whenever the equipment has been exposed to extreme environments, harsh/caustic/contaminated waters. It is strongly recommended that persons performing the A2.1 complete the basic helmet and band mask technician training course by a certified KMDSI technician training facility
How often should Appendix A2.1, Annual Overhaul be performed?
KMDSI recommends the A2.1 be performed at least every 12 months, or whenever daily and monthly checks reveal the need. Ultimately the individual Technician must make the determination of how often by using their knowledge, training and experience. (Equipment used in relatively clean waters may only require the A2.1 inspection once a year. Helmets used continuously, contaminated waters, i.e. sewage and oily waters could require the A2.1 several times a year. The A2.2 (monthly) should be performed by the user at least once a month or anytime daily inspections indicate possible damage, corrosion, deterioration, or components do not operate properly. The monthly can also be used at any time to demonstrate the equipment’s suitability for use
What is involved in the A2.1 Annual Overhaul?
The equipment is completely disassembled as called out in A2.1 checklist procedure. Basically the checklists have you disassembling the entire helmet/KMB, so all components can be cleaned, inspected and replaced as applicable. A 14 inch lb. pull test is performed on the face port retainer threaded inserts and the side-block and demand regulator components are disassembled, cleaned, and inspected and all O-rings and exhaust valves are replaced with new ones. Any other components showing signs of corrosion, wear, deterioration, damage or non-conformance that may affect safety, reliability or performance, as described in the applicable manual, should be repaired or replaced
In short, this means if the inspection reveals corrosion, worn or damaged components, they should be replaced to ensure proper performance
KMDSI strongly encourages all users of KMDSI helmets or BandMasks® to attend a one-day Operator/User course, which teaches the daily and monthly checklist procedures. KMDSI strongly encourages and recommends users performing the A2.1 overhaul / inspection receive factory authorized KMDSI technician training
All owners/users of KMDSI helmets or masks should maintain a log for each helmet or mask as well as associated equipment such as the EGS and harness assembly that shows a record of use and the repairs and maintenance done as well as who performed the maintenance. KMDSI strongly recommends maintaining a file containing all the maintenance records for all equipment
Can I perform my own A2.1 Annual Overhaul and bring it to a KMDSI dealer for them to verify the work and sign off on the equipment? My company requires a KMDSI dealer to sign off on the helmet
A KMDSI dealer is not going to assume responsibility for equipment they did not perform the “complete” A2.1 Annual Overhaul on
Can A Person / User of KMDSI equipment use the KMDSI checklists if they have not taken the KMDSI Technician or Operator/User Training?
The KMDSI Helmet and Band Mask checklists are intended for all users of KMDSI Helmets or Band Masks regardless of whether they have attended Technician or Operator/User Training. All KMDSI Helmets and Band Masks should be used, maintained, and serviced in accordance with the applicable Operations and Maintenance Manual along with the appropriate Checklists. KMDSI cannot, force or mandate maintenance policy to owners of KMDSI equipment, they can only recommend
I was told KMDSI fiberglass shells and frames can no longer be used once they reach 25 years old
See KMDSI bulletin #9 of 2016. Once fiberglass shells and frames approach the recommend service life of 25 years, major repairs and complete gel coating may not be an option. Please note: 25 years is the cutoff age to have a complete gel coat performed. Fiberglass equipment is evaluated on a “case by case” basis.
https://www.kirbymorgan.com/sites/default/files/Bulletin_9_of_2016.pdf